Montana’s Republican candidate in special House election cited for misdemeanor assault

Greg Gianforte, the Republican candidate in Montana’s special race for its open House seat, was cited for misdemeanor assault after he attacked a reporter. This incident is expected to hurt him in the election, which is taking place today throughout the state.

Montana residents are heading to the polls today (Thursday) for the special election for the state’s open House seat. Recent polls showed that the race between the Republican and Democratic nominees was very close. However, it appears that Republican candidate Greg Gianforte destroyed his chance of winning when he violently attacked a Guardian reporter, breaking the reporter’s glasses. The entire incident was recorded.

In the recording, the Guardian’s Ben Jacobs, a political reporter, is heard asking Gianforte questions about the Republican healthcare plan. Gianforte tried to avoid the question but when Jacobs continued to ask him about the topic, Gianforte attacked the reporter and then shouted: “I’m sick and tired of you guys.”

Gianforte (right) Photo Credit: Reuters/Channel 2 News

“The last guy who came in here, you did the same thing,” Gianforte yelled. “Get the hell out of here.” Jacobs is then heard telling Gianforte that he broke his glasses. Jacobs was taken to a hospital in order to make sure that he was not seriously injured.

According to Fox News reporter Alicia Acuna, who was at the scene, Jacobs entered the room when Gianforte was getting ready for a scheduled interview and started to ask him questions. “At that point, Gianforte grabbed Jacobs by the neck with both hands and slammed him into the ground behind him,” Acuna recalled. In light of the incident, Gianforte was cited for misdemeanor assault.